AUSTERE Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'austere' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of austere are ascetic , severe , and stern . While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial. // living an austere life in the country

Q: When is 'ascetic' a more appropriate choice than 'austere'?

Although the words ascetic and austere have much in common, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline. // the ascetic life of the monks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'severe' instead of 'austere'?

In some situations, the words severe and austere are roughly equivalent. However, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. // severe military discipline

Q: When could 'stern' be used to replace 'austere'?

The meanings of stern and austere largely overlap; however, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character. // stern arbiters of public morality

austere

adjective

ȯ-ˈstir

Definition of austere next

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint an austere conductor who is as tough on himself as he is on the orchestra

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs

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as in spartan

providing only the essentials and nothing fancy or luxurious for the private office of the CEO of the large corporation, the room is unexpectedly austere

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective austere contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of austere are ascetic, severe, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

When is ascetic a more appropriate choice than austere?

Although the words ascetic and austere have much in common, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When is it sensible to use severe instead of austere?

In some situations, the words severe and austere are roughly equivalent. However, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

When could stern be used to replace austere?

The meanings of stern and austere largely overlap; however, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of austere Here’s last week’s handouts, the instructor said, read them at your leisure at home, and gave Eliza a toothy smile that turned the austere face suddenly soft and dimpled. —

Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024 Texture While tile might have once been thought of as a cool, austere surface choice, that’s anything but true today. —

Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2024 Designed by modernist architect Marcel Breuer, the 1960s building is known for its austere, top-heavy form, punctuated by a handful of trapezoidal windows. —

Oscar Holland, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 Examined literally, Conclave is among the most Catholic movies ever made, a church procedural that takes as its daily bread the institution’s ancient and austere rituals. —

Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for austere

Recent Examples of Synonyms for austere

Adjective

Essentially, this meant that Google would reject emails addressed to Gmail users that didn’t meet strict new email domain authentication rules.

Davey Winder, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Either way, stricter regulations likely won’t be in place to impact this winter season, and despite the unease expressed by locals, mass tourism to Rovaniemi is probably only going to grow in 2025 — as visitors want to experience the unique atmosphere up north, especially during the holiday season.

CNN, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024